Vacation inDominican Republic

How safe is the Dominican Republic, especially in large cities?

Tourist zones such as Punta Cana and La Romana are well-patrolled and feel safe. In Santo Domingo avoid isolated streets after dark and use authorised taxis (or Uber). Keep valuables in hotel safes, watch ATMs for skimmers, and follow hotel briefings on beach flag warnings and rip currents.

What key cultural quirks should I know about?

Locals greet with a warm “¡Buenas!” and appreciate a relaxed pace—being a few minutes late is normal. Bachata and merengue rhythms dominate nightlife; casual dance invites are common. Tipping 10 % is customary; add cash if service charge isn’t on the bill. Beachwear is fine on sand, but cover up in towns.

What is the general price level (accommodation, food, excursions)?

All-inclusive 4-star resorts start around €120-150 per double in high season; boutique guesthouses from €60. Restaurant main courses €10-18; street empanada €1. Day trip to Saona Island ~€75, scuba dive €40-45 per tank. Overall costs sit between Bulgaria and Spain for a comparable beach holiday.

What should I buy as souvenirs from local shops or markets?

Larimar (sky-blue semi-precious stone), amber jewellery, premium Dominican rum (Brugal 1888, Barceló Imperial), organic cocoa and coffee beans, hand-rolled cigars, and colourful merengue dolls. Haggle gently—start at 60 % of asking price—and pack rum/cigars in checked luggage to clear EU liquid rules.

How are card payments and cash availability?

Mastercard/Visa work at resorts and supermarkets; smaller eateries may add a 3-4 % fee or accept pesos cash only. ATMs dispense Dominican pesos; many also give US dollars. Withdraw at bank-branch machines (Scotiabank, BanReservas) to reduce skimmer risk. Always carry small notes for taxis and beach shacks.

How good is internet and mobile coverage in and outside resorts?

Resorts offer solid 30-50 Mbps Wi-Fi (often free in lobbies). Away from the coast, Claro and Altice 4G cover 95 % of main roads; data SIM ~€12 for 10 GB at airport kiosks. eSIMs (Airalo) work well. Expect slower speeds on Samaná Peninsula and in mountainous areas.

Are Estonian- or English-speaking guides available for island excursions?

English-speaking guides are standard on whale tours, jungle zip-lines and cultural trips. Fully Estonian commentary is rare; Baltic tour operators (Novatours, Tez Tour) can arrange it for groups if booked in advance. Private drivers usually understand basic English—confirm details via WhatsApp beforehand.

Is the Dominican Republic suitable for family holidays with children?

Yes—resorts in Punta Cana, Bayahibe and Puerto Plata provide kids’ pools, miniclubs and babysitting. Beaches are wide with fine sand; some have gentle waves (Playa Bávaro) ideal for toddlers. Pack high-factor sunscreen and mosquito repellent; paediatric clinics and pharmacies are easily found in resort zones.

Is it a good destination for honeymoons or romantic breaks?

Absolutely. Adults-only resorts such as Sanctuary Cap Cana or Secrets Royal Beach offer swim-up suites, candle-lit dinners and spa packages. Sunset catamaran cruises, private beach picnics and helicopter transfers to Saona Island make memorable add-ons. Wedding paperwork is straightforward if organised via hotel coordinators.

Which local foods and drinks should I try?

Sample sancocho (7-meat stew), mangu plantain mash for breakfast, fresh ceviche, and seafood paella-style “locrio”. Wash it down with Presidente beer or a shot of Mama Juana (rum, red wine, honey + herbs). Coconut water and passion-fruit smoothies keep you cool on the beach.

How are public transport and getting around (buses, taxis)?

Comfortable Caribe Tours and Expreso Bavaro coaches link major cities for €8-15. Local “gua-gua” minibuses are cheap but cramped. Uber works in Santo Domingo and Santiago. Resort taxis use flat-rate zones—confirm fare before boarding. For airport transfers, pre-book a shuttle or use reputable booth taxis.

Can I travel around by car and is it safe?

Car hire (from €45/day) is easy at airports; EU licence accepted. Highways are modern and tolled (cash pesos or card). Drive defensively: night visibility is poor and motorbikes ignore lanes. Police roadblocks are routine—carry passport copy and rental papers. Secure parking is available at most hotels.

What are the most popular resorts (e.g., Punta Cana, Puerto Plata)?

Punta Cana/Bávaro leads for white-sand beaches and nonstop flights from Europe. La Romana (Bayahibe) suits divers and Saona Island trips. Puerto Plata combines beach time with cable-car mountain views, while Samaná lures nature lovers and humpback whales (Jan–Mar). All offer all-inclusive hotels in every price segment.

Which natural attractions are worth visiting (mountains, waterfalls)?

Hike to El Limón waterfall on horseback, kayak through Los Haitises mangrove jungle, or summit Pico Duarte (3 098 m) on a two-day trek. The “27 Charcos” waterfall canyoning near Puerto Plata is a thrill, while Hoyo Azul cenote in Scape Park offers crystal-blue swimming.

Are there special holiday periods that affect travel?

Carnival parades peak every Sunday in February (biggest in La Vega) and Independence Day on 27 Feb. Semana Santa (Holy Week) brings crowded beaches and higher hotel rates; alcohol sales are restricted on Good Friday. Book early for Christmas–New Year and US Spring Break (mid-March) to secure rooms.

Are the beaches public or do resorts own them?

By law all beaches are public up to the high-tide line. Large resorts manage sun-loungers and security on their section; you may walk the entire shoreline freely but may be asked to rent a chair or buy a drink to use private facilities.

Do Estonian citizens need a visa to travel to the Dominican Republic?

No traditional visa needed for stays up to 30 days. The compulsory tourist card fee (US $10) is already included in nearly all airline tickets. Passport must be valid for duration of stay plus one day. A 30-day extension costs approx. €48 at migration offices if you decide to stay longer.

Are there any COVID-19 entry restrictions?

As of April 2025 all COVID-19 measures have been lifted—no tests, vaccination certificates or e-forms. Random temperature checks remain at airports. Travellers are advised to carry health insurance covering medical evacuation, as private clinic fees are high. Check Reisi Targalt for last-minute rule changes before flying.